If you’re lucky to own a swimming pool, you probably are aware of problems like algae or cloudy water, which disrupt the whole enjoyment of owning a pool. You, therefore, ought to equip yourself with some basic tips to keep the pool sparkling and always ready for use. This will save you a lot of money in the long run and prevent any frustrations and emergencies, increasing the life cycle of your pool.

Top 5 Tools You’ll Need

1. A traditional vacuum head on a pole to vacuum the pool. 2. A leaf net to skim off the leaves that fall into the pool overnight. 3. A leaf rake comes in handy if there are a lot of objects floating on the water. 4. A pool skimmer also helps in remove bugs and leaves from the surface. Remember to take the basket out and clean it out since it might get clogged and restrict a smooth flow and circulation of water. 5. Pool brush for brushing off dirt from the internal pool surfaces.

Day to Day Maintenance Tips

1. Chemical Balance: it's important to maintain an optimum chemical balance of the pool water. Make a point of checking the pool 1-2 times every week for the PH levels, to make sure that it is kept between 7.2 and 7.8. Note that the t lower the PH that scale, the less chlorine you will need for the pool.2. Water Level: your swimming pool’s water level should not be too high or too low. An optimal water level is required to enable the best performance of the water skimmer. If the water is too low, pump in some more to fill it up. Likewise, drain the pool for excess water.3. Chlorine: helps kill viruses and most bacteria. More to that, it eliminates grease and oils. In most instances, it is easily wasted especially if the management of the pool chemistry is not right.4. Shock the Pool: how often do you shock your pool? Believe it or not, a shock treatment will solve and prevent most pool complications.5. Regular Cleaning: the pool filter is the primary tool responsible for keeping the water clean and crystal clear. It does so by getting rid of dirt and the microscopic debris that is always building up around and inside the pool. The filter needs to be cleaned regularly in order to work properly.

Off-season Pool Care (Winter Period)

1. Cover your pool with a cover and keep it clear and free from debris, this will make it easier to take off the cover in the spring. 2. Use a bit of algaecide in the water under the cover to prevent algae from growing. 3. Check your filter system for water buildup since water can freeze, crack and expand the plastics on your pool. Dump and drain any water to make sure it’s anywhere but not in your filter system.

Final Thoughts

Just as you constantly clean your house, cars or office, you must also clean your pool. By employing weekly efforts to do so, the pool will serve you longer than you anticipated. Ensure the right water levels, chlorinate it properly and make a point of cleaning out the filter regularly.

There are so many ways to upgrade swimming pools these days that you probably don’t know where to start when looking for ways to improve your pool. There are many variables you need to consider when upgrading your pool, like budget, time, potential cost savings among others. But for this article I’m going to talk about a few upgrades that I believe every pool owner should eventually consider purchasing.

LED Lights

If you enjoy having gatherings and parties around your pool area at night, then one of the first upgrades you should consider is a set of LED lights. These lights will completely change the look of your pool. There are many advantages from having LED lights. They offer an eco-friendlier option than most lights, therefore helping you save some money on your electricity bill, while at the same time lasting six times longer than incandescent lights of the same brightness. LED lights are also much brighter and the colors simply look better than the average light bulb. There are many good brands out there for you to choose, and this upgrade can be done without having to break the bank.

Upgrading to Salt Water

Salt water pools are becoming more popular these days. They require less pool service and maintenance since the salt water makes it more difficult for algae to develop. They will also help you save money on chemicals since a single salt water system cell can provide you with pure chlorine for years. The salt water makes it a healthier swimming environment by eliminating caustic chloramines from the pool and preventing itchy skin, red eyes, and that harsh chlorine smell. With all that said, it’s important to talk to a professional before switching from chlorine to salt water since you want to make sure that your pool has the right materials to withstand the salt.

Install a Swimming Pool Heater

Pools are great during the summer when you just want to dive into that cold water to cool off from the high temperatures. But most people can’t use their pools when the temperature starts to drop during the fall. By installing a pool heater, you will be able to enjoy your pool more days each year. There are basically three types of pool heaters: solar, heat pump, and gas heaters. Each option has its advantages depending on your needs. If you live in a southern climate, a solar heater is a great option since it has basically no cost of operation and is eco-friendlier than the other two options. But if you live in a colder climate then you should go with either heat pump or gas heaters. No matter which option you choose, a pool heater will be a great upgrade for your pool.

Automatic Pool Covers​An automatic pool cover is another great investment for your pool. By having your pool covered when not in use you will help your pool stay cleaner than normal, which will save you time and money on maintenance. This will also significantly reduce water evaporation which will help the pool chemistry to stay in balance and avoid having to constantly be adding water to your pool. Another advantage that shouldn’t be overlooked is safety, especially if you have infants. This won’t replace the need for adult supervision but it will at least give you some peace of mind knowing that there is extra protection in case an accident occurs.